Stephanie Fanning

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions focused on the preliminary budget presentation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, which currently shows an estimated gap of $1.6 million before accounting for requested additions. Major expenditure increases driving this gap include benefits (especially health insurance), increased debt service due to a recent capital project, and higher costs associated with special education placements. Budget estimates for health insurance are based on a conservative 10% increase, pending final figures. Employee benefit costs are further impacted by shifts to more expensive plans within the current staff. The presentation detailed that requested items from buildings and departments, such as additional teaching staff, facility restoration, and transportation upgrades, are not included in the current preliminary gap calculation. Revenue projections indicate an estimated 3.5% tax cap, a $300,000 increase in foundation aid, and a projected decrease in interest revenue. Fund balance review showed the district's overall fund balance is approximately $6.3 million, placing it in the bottom 15% of comparable districts when assessed as a percentage of budget or enrollment, indicating limited reserves.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session followed by an Audit Committee Meeting. Key discussion items included the 2026-2027 Budget Presentation and a recommendation regarding the Use of Fund Balance. The Superintendent provided updates on the Front Entrance Capital Project completion timeline, the progress and management of the Bus Garage siding, exploration of a Communication App, Brunswick CSD's participation in Questar III's Regional PD Day, the high per-student cost of Hockey in the budget, the Spongebob Musical, and a Farm to School Grant initiative. The Board also conducted a second reading and adoption of policies. Discussions were held regarding a PTSA meeting and a front courtyard grant for character education. Recommendations for Special Education student placements were accepted. Personnel actions included accepting several resignations, approving substitute appointments effective March 6, 2026, and approving probationary appointments for Teacher Aides and a Custodial Worker. Coaching appointments were also approved. Finance items included accepting financial reports, approving a fuel agreement between Brunswick CSD and North Greenbush Ambulance Association, Inc., and approving Change Order RC-003 for roof construction improvements. The session concluded with an Executive Session to discuss collective negotiations and matters leading to personnel action.

The meeting included the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions centered on the second draft of the 2026-2027 budget development, which indicated a 7.18% increase over the previous year's budget, largely driven by salary and benefits increases, including substantial rises in health insurance premiums (Highmark at 7%, Caremark RX at 13.8%, and CDPHP at 15%). The budget presentation detailed that the district's fund balance as a percentage of the budget is ranked 13th lowest out of 83 districts in the greater capital district, and fund balance per student is ranked 15th. Departmental requested items, such as additional teaching aids, restoration of custodial and technology positions, and diesel bus restoration, were reviewed, with most being excluded from the second draft budget draft due to fiscal responsibility and adherence to the tax cap. Reductions were made in O&M equipment, contractual services, grounds materials, and technology device replacement to mitigate the increase. The presentation also noted a projected $1.3 million budget gap if the tax cap of 3.55% is maintained, and discussed potential revenue impacts from changes to Wine and Skill student enrollment options and projected decreases in interest income. State aid highlights included a 3.87% increase in Foundation Aid due to increased poverty and high-need students, and a proposed significant increase in UPK funding from $5,400 to $10,000 per student. An increase in debt service was noted, which will be partially offset by anticipated building aid revenue from a recently closing project.

The meeting included a presentation on the 2026-2027 Budget and discussions regarding grant acquisition through Questar Grant Service. Key topics addressed in Superintendent reports included the previous cohort graduation rate and the implementation of a new math program and an AI Committee to address related issues. Policy actions involved the first reading of several policies pertaining to Automated External Defibrillators, School Safety Plans, and Meal Charging/Free Meal Services. Special actions included the approval of the 2025-2026 Trap Club Handbook, changes to a BOE meeting date, approval of the 2026-2027 school year calendar draft, and the creation of the Marcy Poulin Memorial Scholarship for deserving basketball athletes. Board discussions covered PTSA elections, athletic scheduling issues, weight room updates, athletic incentives, and concerns regarding the Hockey Program budget. Special Education actions involved accepting student placement recommendations and approving appointments for a Bilingual Psychologist Evaluator and a Mentor. Personnel items included probationary appointments, supervision appointments for elementary detention, rescinding an appointment for Music Director/Conductor, approving a Lighting Designer appointment, probationary CSEA appointments, accepting a resignation, approving substitute appointments, and approving a Tutor appointment. Business/Finance actions involved accepting financial reports for January 2026, accepting a donation, approving the disposal of old magazines and library books, and setting Non-Resident Tuition Rates for the 2026-2027 school year.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and the approval of previous minutes. A key focus of the session was the presentation by Jason Schwarz, a fiscal advisor, regarding the district's five-year financial plan. This included an update on capital projects, emphasizing the management of local share costs and the impact of the current capital project's tax exclusion on the tax cap. The financial projections detailed anticipated state aid increases (assuming a 2% increase in foundation aid) and projected property tax revenues based on reaching the tax cap, noting a higher increase next year due to the final step of the capital project impact. Expenditure projections assumed a 4.25% salary increase and an average 6% annual increase in overall expenses, significantly outpacing revenue growth projections (2.5% to 3%). This discrepancy leads to projected deficits in future years, though current fund balances provide a few years of runway. Strategies discussed for mitigating future deficits included maximizing revenues through the tax levy and being cautious about long-term expenditure commitments, such as evaluating the necessity of refilling positions vacated by retirement and exploring shared services.